INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
Telecommunications Status and Recovery Assessment Consultant - Palestine
Vacancy notice no: 2292
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 30 days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 23 April 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The purpose of the consultancy is in line with ITU Council Resolution 1424. ITU is mandated to assist and support Palestine in restoring and developing its telecommunication sector, including monitoring needs and proposing technical assistance for modern and reliable networks. This consultancy will directly support the implementation of this mandate by delivering an evidence-based assessment to inform ITU's technical assistance and recovery planning.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for the Arab States, and in close coordination with ITU’s Future Networks and Spectrum Division (FNS/BDT), the consultant will produce a concise, evidence-based, and actionable assessment report by 30 June 2026.
The report will:
- Assess the current operational status of the telecommunications network in Palestine, including infrastructure damage and service disruptions.
- Identify recovery and rehabilitation needs for telecom infrastructure and services.
- Provide actionable recommendations to support ITU's technical assistance and recovery planning in line with Resolution 1424.
The consultant will carry out the following activities:
Sector Status and Operations:
- Map and describe existing telecom infrastructure in Palestine, including public, private, and operator networks.
- Identify operational challenges and service disruption levels across the sector.
- Assess the status of mobile services, including readiness for 4G/5G deployment.
Damage & Service Impact:
- Provide indicative estimates of infrastructure damage.
- Describe service outages and affected populations.
- Highlight ICT dependencies for emergency services and economic continuity.
Recovery & Rehabilitation Needs:
- Propose prioritized actions for immediate restoration, network resilience, and modernization.
- Develop indicative cost estimates using benchmark data.
- Recommend phased interventions (0–6 months and 6–24 months).
Regulatory & Institutional:
- Conduct a high-level assessment of regulatory barriers impacting network recovery.
- Provide recommendations for an enabling environment consistent with ITU’s development mandate.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Submission of an Inception Note with methodology, assumptions, and data sources. (Week 1).
- Delivery of draft analysis of Sector statues, indicative damage, and needs (Week 2).
- Conduct of remote consultations with different stakeholders on operational status, coverage gaps, damaged infrastructure, energy dependencies, service disruptions, and restoration needs. (Week 2).
- Submission of a final report (structured, concise) with Excel cost model and PowerPoint slide deck for stakeholders, including Executive Summary and Recommendations for enabling environment consistent with ITU’s development mandate. (Week 3 and 4).
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex technical information into actionable policy-oriented reports.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in telecommunication, computer science, engineering, geographical information management OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of experience in infrastructure and connectivity, including at least two (2) years at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Working knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 340 per working day.
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU career website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
